“Joel’s method of instruction is clear and concise. You get the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of words. I highly value that as a United States Marine and an instructor myself. ”
“I have been to many survival schools, as I was training for a Survival program on Colombian TV, but this training with Joel was the best so far!”
“I met Joel through my moms research. I needed someone with great experience and knowledge to prepare me for the show “Survivor”. In Joel’s course I found not only the best help i can get but a great friend. I took his Bushman walkabout course, which really opened my eyes. We then drove down to Mexico and camped out near the Pacific ocean. He taught me how to catch fish and make a meal with minimal supplies. Long story short, Joel is the man and his training is the bomb. Thanks for everything”
“Joel is the man! He is Professional and well educated in his field. As an instructor myself I know as well as anyone that the devil is in the details and Joel is consistent about providing them which makes the difference! No “fluff or flashy” survival tricks or useless usage of time. I did the 2 Day Extensive Skills Course and though I’m no stranger to the wilderness I learned so much that I’m already looking for the next opening in my schedule to do MORE! If you are interested in learning how to survive as well as thrive in any situation, I’m 100% confident that Bush Mechanics Survival Training with Joel will be a game changer!”
“We left feeling confident about what we learned and thirsty for more advanced Bush Mechanics Survival Training. Joel is a real gem and a great instructor! His experience and expertise are obvious, but he lacks arrogance or pretense. He truly just wants to help you learn to be safe and equip you with the skills needed to survive when you find yourself in a pinch”
“So happy I did this!!!
I came into the ‘Two Day Wilderness Survival Skills Course’ as a novice but I left confident in the skills that I was taught. Joel is a knowledgeable and patient instructor that gives each student comprehensive training at their level. Joel is encouraging and enthusiastic in his training and I was given a solid foundation of survival skills that will translate into any terrain I may encounter. I’m excited to growing upon the skills that I learned this weekend as I continue to explore and experience nature and the wild. This was my first Bush Mechanics course and I know it won’t be my last. Thank you Joel for an epic weekend!”
“Joel is extremely knowledgeable of survival and bushcraft skills, particularly with his African experience. He is also a very nice person and a pleasure to learn from”
“THIS is a Survival course! If you are looking for a course to give you the knowledge and hands on experience needed to be comfortable in the wilderness then look no further, you have found it! I completed the 2 day Extensive Survival Skills Course and it most certainly exceeded my expectations. The hands on experience gained from this class has given me more confidence and a real sense of being capable in a Survival Situation. Joel is a very professional and knowledgeable course leader. He does a great job breaking down the priorities of survival, and takes great care to see that you understand them. Coming from an avid outdoorsman, I highly recommend taking this course. If you hike, bike, hunt, surf, sail, skydive etc...you need to take this course! Get your Survival on, you’ll be glad you did.”
“Thank you Joel for an amazing experience with the advanced fire course. I walked into the course with very little knowledge of fire building mechanics, and was able to pick it up very quickly, thanks to your patience & guidance. I thoroughly enjoyed the location of the course, along with the hiking and back country involved. I would recommend this course to anyone (of all ages!) with a passion for the outdoors and whiling to learn new and old survival techniques. The bow drill way of starting a fire is something that takes much patience and skill. Thank you for making it possible for me to master this skill on my first try! Looking forward to your next class. Thanks again Joel!”
“I cannot imagine a better guide and experience for the Hadza in Tanzania with than Joel and his associates. The experience is truly genuine, immersive, and is far-removed from many of the contrived pony shows which characterize other guided opportunities with Hadza and/or other tribes. The trip was a unique combination of hunting adventure, cultural immersion, bushcraft skills, and mindful reflection—on our society, oneself, and our own species. While this trip is certainly not for everyone, I would say it is an ideal experience for the open-minded individual seeking to better themselves and their society, wanting to improve their bushcraft/wilderness survival, seeking insight into the human condition, and into our ancestors/ancestral past. You are almost guaranteed to be personally transformed by this trip, and come away a better person with a better understanding of what life and human existence is about. Joel is not only adventurous and competent in the bush, but he is a caring & compassionate person that will ensure your experience is comfortable, reasonably safe, and somewhat catered to each individual. In hindsight, it is hard to imagine my life without this experience. I fully plan to visit the Hadza in Tanzania throughout my life. Thank you Joel and crew!”